Why Get Cyber Essentials Certified?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme designed to help businesses protect themselves against a wide range of cyber threats. The certification is not only a testament to your company's commitment to cybersecurity but also a practical tool to guard against the most common cyber attacks. By adhering to the Cyber Essentials framework, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a cyber incident. So why choose Cyber Essentials over other accreditations?

The primary benefit of Cyber Essentials certification is improved security. By implementing the recommended controls, businesses can protect themselves from 80% of common cyber attacks. This includes threats like phishing, malware, and hacking.

Having a Cyber Essentials certification also demonstrates to customers and partners that your business takes cybersecurity seriously. This can enhance your reputation and build trust, which is crucial for maintaining and growing business relationships.

There's also the question of new business tendering. Most local government contracts and larger private sector tenders now require Cyber Essentials certification. Without it, your business might be ineligible to bid for certain projects. In one case, a Mason Infotech customer has added £600,000 in annual revenue since their Cyber Essentials certification by bidding for work they weren't able to before.

And there's always costs to take into consideration. The true cost of a cyber attack is difficult to measure, but by preventing cyber incidents, companies can avoid the significant costs associated with data breaches, including legal fees, loss of business, and reputational damage.

How do you get the Cyber Essentials certification?

1. Assessment Preparation: Begin by understanding the requirements of the Cyber Essentials scheme. This includes familiarising yourself with the five key controls: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management.
2. Self-Assessment Questionnaire: Complete a self-assessment questionnaire, which will be reviewed by an external certifying body. This questionnaire assesses your organisation’s cybersecurity measures against the Cyber Essentials criteria.
3. External Vulnerability Scan: Depending on the level of certification (Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus), your systems may undergo an external vulnerability scan to identify any weaknesses.
4. Certification: If your business meets the required standards, you will be awarded the Cyber Essentials certification. For Cyber Essentials Plus, an on-site assessment is also required.

Can Mason Infotech help your business through the accreditation process?

Of course! Navigating the certification process can be complex, which is where a Cyber Essentials consultant like Mason Infotech comes into play. Our experts provide invaluable assistance, ensuring your business meets all the necessary criteria efficiently and effectively. We perform the following:

1. Gap Analysis: A consultant performs a gap analysis to identify areas where your current cybersecurity measures fall short of the Cyber Essentials requirements. This proactive step helps streamline the certification process.
2. Implementation Support: Consultants offer guidance on implementing the necessary controls, from configuring firewalls to setting up secure user access protocols.
3. Ongoing Advice: Beyond achieving certification, our consultants can provide ongoing support to maintain and enhance your cybersecurity posture. This includes regular updates and audits to ensure continued compliance.

For businesses in Nottingham, obtaining the Cyber Essentials certification is not just about enhancing security but also about leveraging Mason Infotech's regional support and expertise. Engaging one of our local Cyber Essentials consultant in Nottingham can provide personalised, on-the-ground support tailored to your specific needs.

Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, the benefits of enhanced security, customer confidence, compliance, and cost savings are clear. Understanding how to get Cyber Essentials certification and leveraging the expertise of a Mason Infotech Cyber Essentials consultant can make the process smoother and more effective.